A busy time for the disciplinary committee midweek. First of all they decided to act on Musampa's declarations in the press that he had been the victim of racist insults by Coloccini (Alavés), Juanele (Zaragoza) and Angel (Las Palmas), opening an investigation into the matter even though the Dutch midfielder said he didn't want to take it any further after receiving public apologies from all three. Then they opened another investigation into a reported incident where Catanha spat at Fernando Sanz, which apparently was caught on camera even though the referee did not see it. If found guilty, the Celta striker could receive a three match ban. And finally they decided to look into the fact that Alavés wear publicity on the back of their shorts, which apparently is against Federation (RFEF) rules but has been given the OK by the league ruling body (LFP). Alavés seem to have been caught in the crossfire on that one.

Four red cards at the weekend, including one each for Celta's Russian internationals Mostovoi and Karpin (see also white stick section for more). Mostovoi's direct red was probably excessive, but when you know a referee is gunning for you and he awards a free kick to the other team, you don't throw the ball to him and say "You take it!". Mostovoi did, and paid the price. Karpin's red was for two bookable offences, one for arguing and one for tripping an opponent, and with Cáceres and Doriva both picking up their fifth yellows of the season and Catanha in trouble for the aforementioned spitting ban, Celta could be missing five key players for their vital game against Real Madrid next weekend.

Rayo's Bolic also received a direct red card, and that thanks to a bit of bad sportsmanship by Real Sociedad Westerveld. The two came face to face just before half time after they clashed in a tackle, and Bolic moved his head towards the keeper in a threatening gesture. Although at most their there was a slight contact, the Dutch international rolled to the ground clutching his forehead, and the referee sent the Bosnian striker off. The other sending off this weekend was for Tenerife's Bino, who had only just reappeared after a one match ban for accumulation of yellow cards. He picked up a second booking in the game against Osasuna in the last minute.

As well as the above, eight players will be missing from their games at the weekend after picking up yellow cards. Hierro (Real Madrid), Roteta (Málaga), Idiakez (Real Sociedad) and Arruabarrena (Villarreal) all received their tenth of the season, and Jorge (Las Palmas), Dely Valdés (Málaga), Aranzábal and Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad) all got their fifth. (25.02.02)

PS. Tuesday's disciplinary committee cancelled the yellow cards for Cáceres, Idiakez and also one for Aimar, and downgraded Mostovoi's red to yellow. They also decided to leave Catanha's case to next week. (26.02.02)